PAD Ulcers: When Self-Care Isn't Enough for Your Non-Healing Wound

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious condition that affects the circulation of blood to your limbs. Unfortunately, it can lead to ulcers that are difficult to heal. 

If you or someone you love is dealing with a non-healing wound, knowing when to use self-care strategies and when to seek professional wound care with Dr. Asif Aziz, Guiselle Berry, FNP, and the team at Elite Primary Care, PA, in Greenville, Texas, can help you potentially avoid gangrene and even amputation. 

In honor of PAD Awareness Month, here’s what you need to know about the connection between PAD and ulcers and why timely intervention is so important.

How PAD affects your body’s ability to heal

PAD occurs when the arteries that carry blood to your legs and feet become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis — a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. This reduced blood flow can lead to pain, numbness, and in severe cases, ulcers on the feet or legs. 

These ulcers develop because the tissues aren’t receiving enough oxygen-rich blood to heal properly, and without enough oxygen, a critical part of the healing process, wounds just don’t heal normally.

Why self-care alone isn’t enough for PAD ulcers

While some minor cuts and scrapes can heal on their own with basic care, PAD ulcers are different. The reduced circulation caused by PAD makes it nearly impossible for these wounds to heal without medical intervention. 

Self-care strategies like cleaning the wound, applying topical ointments, and covering it with a bandage may provide temporary relief. But these steps often aren’t sufficient to address the underlying issue.

In fact, attempting to manage a PAD ulcer on your own can lead to serious complications, including infection, gangrene (tissue death), and even amputation. PAD and diabetes, which is a risk factor for PAD, together account for over 50% of all non-traumatic amputations.

When to seek medical attention for non-healing wounds

If you notice a wound on your foot or leg that hasn’t shown signs of healing after a few days, or if it’s getting worse, it’s time to give us a call.

What classifies as “getting worse”? Look for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge from the wound. If you have PAD, these symptoms are a red flag that your wound requires more than just at-home care.

What to expect from professional wound care treatment 

When it comes to treatment for PAD ulcers, the Elite Primary Care team focuses on improving the circulation in your limbs, treating or preventing infections, and promoting wound healing. 

Our team can perform tests to assess your circulation and determine the best course of treatment. This may include:

• Prescription-strength topical medications
• Antibiotics
• Debridement
• Tissue grafting
• Acute and chronic wound care management

If you need additional care, our team can point you in the right direction with referrals for specialists and follow-ups after any hospital stays.

The power of self-care and professional treatment

While self-care alone isn’t enough to manage a non-healing wound, it can help you get back on track. This includes following all of the at-home instructions provided by our team, adhering to your PAD treatment plan, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and managing your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Wear your orthotics if you have them to help prevent friction on your feet and prevent ulcers from forming.

If you have PAD — and especially if you also have diabetes — be sure to check your feet and legs daily. Neuropathy can make it difficult to feel small blisters, but even the smallest issue can spiral into a slow-healing wound. The sooner you address issues, the easier it is.

All of these small acts of self-care can go a long way in helping you heal faster and even reduce your risk of future issues.

Questions about PAD? We can help!

This September, take a stand against PAD. Exercise more, eat more heart-friendly foods, and commit to checking your legs and feet daily for any signs of ulcers. As chronic disease management specialists, our team can also help you address PAD in addition to PAD-related ulcers.

To learn more or to make an appointment, call our team at 903-437-9212 or click here to get started.